Index isn't for everyone, which is more than a small part of why I like it. Most of the conga line…read moreof tourist cars that plods up and down the scenic Highway 2 corridor each weekend don't even realize the place exists. In the rare case that a particularly inquisitive traveler gets a wild hair up their ass to actually exit the highway and check Index out on a whim, they generally won't know what you're supposed to do there. The wireless signal's not great, there's a noisy train that comes through a bit too frequently for their tastes, and there are only two places to spend money in the whole darn town. The only apparent thing to do there is look at the river, go into the forest and look at the trees, or walk up to any of the massive walls of sheer granite and look at the stones. No fudge shops, no ice creameries, no beer gardens. No point. Of course, if you're a rock climber those walls of granite are the equivalent of a set of keys to a Ferrari. Index, as most of you know, is the best crag in the world. But it's also a uniquely difficult form of climbing that is hard on the fingers and toes, harder on the brain, and harder still on the ego. So even most climbers stay away from Index. (I know, it doesn't seem like it on a busy summer day... but climbing is growing everywhere in the US, and trust me, other places have much bigger overcrowding issues). I spent five summers in Washington, mostly because of Index. It's not just the stone, truth be told. The forest is like something out of a fairy tale. I've been out to the Olympics--the Hoh rainforest, the quietest place on Earth, yada yada--and it's got nothing on this special valley. The Skykomish is one of the cleanest, prettiest rivers I've ever seen. It also happens to be one of the few rivers in the lower 48 that is entirely undammed-- headwaters to outlet. Salmon spawn on the Skykomish in the fall, mushrooms of all shapes and colors (including many choice edibles) grow throughout the year, Bobcats prowl the woods, Banana slugs pepper the forest floor. It's a lovely place to sit, think, and disconnect from the so-called "real" world for a while. That said, I often found Index to be a less than perfect location for a romantic getaway between myself and my fiance. Don't get me wrong, I love the camping. But a pot of ramen and glass of wine only go so far when the folks in the RV next to you are smoking meth out of what seems to be a lightbulb, and coughing and cursing loudly. Well, the days of dumpster diving my dinners and living in an old plumber's van down by the river are behind me now. I'm a married man (or I was to be, before COVID postponed our wedding by a year). My fiancé and I live in Flagstaff, Arizona-- not a bad place itself, if a little dry for my tastes. Since we didn't get to have our wedding this summer, Megan and I hemmed and hawed for a long time about taking a vacation. We finally decided to come back to Washington (where it all began for us almost a decade ago) on a last minute whim. Of course we would spend part of our trip at Index... but in what capacity? The point of our sojourn was not to climb, but to connect. Romantic candlelit dinners, showers, beds, peaceful mornings drinking coffee by the river. That's what we were looking for. What if Index could be all the things it never was for us? It was that question that brought us to the Wild Sky Ranch. And the answer to that question, to both of our elation, was nothing short of an epiphany. "Maybe we could live here some day," are words I never thought I'd hear Meg say. And yet, there she was saying it. Almost every morning and every evening as we sat in our cozy cabin listening to the river, and watching the moss grow. Maybe it was just the sheer relief of being in humidity again (something sorely lacking in Arizona), but I honestly can't remember the last time I saw Meg looking so relaxed. Hell, I can't remember the last time I felt so relaxed myself. So, this is just a very longwinded shoutout to the Wild Sky Ranch. I can't believe it took me almost ten years to finally book a stay at that lovely place. Just like Index, I'm sure it's not for everyone. But if, based upon what I've said, you feel like it may be for you, I couldn't recommend staying there more. Looking back, it's one of the loveliest vacations Meg and I have ever had together. I'm sure that when we come back to Index, we will spend at least a night or two there again.

We hosted a 40+ person event at this site which has a big barn with an adjacent kitchen, several…read morecabins, and an office. The owners were amazingly helpful with all of our requests from start to finish, making sure we had everything we needed right up until the day of the event. The cabins are large and well-stocked with pretty much everything you could need, and the site itself it G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S, with at least 2 or 3 firepits and one overlooking the Skykomish River which is just a stone's throw away. Overall we were really pleased to rent this site and we will definitely be back for any other big events!

Nice atmosphere and clean Nice staff and happy…read moreGreat Food and drinks I Never left disappointed or dissatisfied!

Update: after a pretty awful brunch here earlier this year, we gave this place a second…read morechance--this time for dinner. It was a completely different experience this time around. With the exception of unseasoned fries and a room temperature baked potato, our food was very good. We had the cheese curds, which were unique, salads (the Caesar was wow), and prime rib (straight up and as part of a French dip). The beef was really good. Our server was attentive and competent. The smell of the arena was not drifting into the restaurant.

Today, 3/25/26, dropped by 99 Ranch to get some Chinese food from the Deli. Bought a few Combos of…read morefood - Noodles, Fried Chicken, Sesame Chicken for $14.99 each. Freshly cooked today since they had just brought out the food for the start of lunch. Received great customer service at the checkout register. When in the mood for some Chinese, we normally visit the deli counter at the 99 Ranch Market. Reasonable prices and good portion sizes!

Asian one stop shop. We were able to get the items for our Filipino dessert and I marveled at the…read moreKit Kat flavors. Normally I could only get these flavors when a friend travels to Japan and gives me this as an omiyage.

I wanted to go horseback riding for my birthday. I found Stillwater Ranch by searching for trail…read morerides. I am so happy I did. This place was EXACTLY what I was looking for. The owners, Barbara and Dalton were so nice and down to earth, They are true animal lovers just like we are. They have over 20 horse, 3 dogs, 2 mules and they offer it all. This isn't your 1 hour trail ride up a dirt road and back. This ride is 3 to 4 hours long, through trees, down what looks like animal trails in the woods, you criss cross through the woods and clear cuts in the Skykomish River Valley then you head up mountain to this amazing lookout and have lunch. I rode a wonderful gelding named Bernie. Bernie's a Missouri Fox Trotter and he was super sweet. Chris rode Comet, she's a Tennessee Walker. Chris said she floated. You can see for miles up on "the rock". When you look down into the valley and see just how far you have ridden, you are amazed. Dalton said it is probably 5 miles. The lunch is amazing, it's from the Sultan Bakery and it is one of the best lunches I've had. Sitting up on the rock just me, Chris, and Dalton was so relaxing. We became instant friends. Stillwater Ranch offers a variety of rides that include river rafting, fishing, moonlight rides, overnight camping and much, much more. You can ride in all seasons - We are looking forward to a winter ride when the valley is covered in snow. They are even starting a wine dinner ride - woo hoo. The next time we need an equestrian fix, we will look to Stillwater Ranch to supply it.

From the owner: Professionally Guided day Horseback rides in the Cascade Foothills- less than l hour from Seattle…read more Horse and River Rafting Trips Drop Camping with horses and mules Horse drawn hay wagon rides Summer Day Horse Camps Classes on Horse and Mule Packing Team Building Events

love the outdoor area, it has great drinks, and even better events, staff is always goodread more

I came here but they seem to have been doing an event at the time, so we had to get tickets to…read moreattend to eat here. They have a DJ that does a pretty good show here on the days they do ticketed sales, but we really just wanted to eat. The beef sliders were pretty phenomenal. The cut of beef was really good and it was topped off with pepper jack cheese and I believe a spicy chipotle sauce that gave it a nice kick. The fish and chips, while the breading is good, I'm not sure is that great of a dish for this area, which I think is more known for seafood. I would definitely come here for the beef sliders again! The service is pretty good here. The atmosphere is fun and the environment is lively. Just make sure to check before you come, because they may be doing a ticketed event on some evenings.

I finally got to visit them :) After some years on my list, and waiting for them to reopen because…read morethey changed owners, we visited their cute place. Turn from Duvall-Carnation onto their pathway. Feels like entering to a peaceful place. Go all the way up to their gift shop cottage. There are only like 3 spots, but cars like parking very near the terrace part. I would encourage everyone parking o. The other level just yo keep the view clean. Outside is just so beautiful with these plants hanging on the walls, a small lounge part, or tables where you get to sit. Or you can always take a picture on their Cinderella style couches. Sip a glass of wine inside during a hot day. There is juice for small ones :) I didn't have anything else. But I bought goat milk soap l, and a body scrub. Unfortunately, it tinted my clothing, but smelled nice. I wish they could carry a larger variety of wines.

Such a cute spot with some great views on top of the hill. Came for a market and they had some…read morevendors, just wish they had more vendors and variety, but it seems they are limited on space. Gift shop is really cute. Definitely a really nice space.

Seattle-Area Boba Shop Review #103…read more This review is specifically for the BF Cafe & Bakery located inside the Edmonds Ranch 99. I wouldn't normally get boba here, but Ranch 99 was offering a $2 boba promotion at BF Cafe with $30 grocery purchase. I might as well try the place for just $2. Green Milk Tea ($2) - Strangely enough, the first flavor to emerge is the taste of coffee. I wonder if there is some contamination going on here. Perhaps the water dispenser they use for the tea is the same as the coffee. After the coffee taste, there's a bit of smokiness and bitterness. Finally, a layer that's like an unpleasant concentration of Chinese herbs. Like a mixture of wolfberry, jujube, and whatever else is in a Chinese herbal medicine concoction. It's not a pleasant taste and reminds me of what my parents used to treat me with when sick as a child. I didn't adjust the sweetness, but it's surprisingly not very sweet. Probably 25% sweetness compared to most boba shops. The boba is not made in house and is preportioned in plastic packs, like in premade boba kits. The texture is decent, perhaps a bit leathery and firm in chew, but decent bounce levels. Since they only use a single pack of boba for a 22 ounce drink, there's not nearly enough (typically a single pack is for a powdered 11 ounce drink). Milk Tea Rating: 1.5/5 Boba Rating: 3/5 So yeah, the drinks served here aren't the best. I haven't bought any pastries or bread from BF Cafe, but I'm sure they are better.

Have loved their fruit cakes so I gave their Cappuccino Cake a try (receipt noted cappuccino while…read moredisplay case noted mocha). Tasted like cheap instant coffee, very bitter and grainy. Appreciate that they provide a plastic serving utensil, I would only recommend their fruit cakes.